A nurse is planning to transfer a client who weighs 136 kg (300 lb) from a bed to a chair. The client is unable to assist in the transfer. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Choice A reason: Encouraging a final hemodialysis treatment contradicts the client’s advance directives, which refuse life-sustaining treatments. Respecting autonomy is paramount, and persuading the client undermines their decision, making this action unethical and inappropriate in this end-of-life scenario.
Choice B reason: Contacting the family to discuss the decision is unnecessary unless the client is incapacitated, which is not indicated. The client’s advance directives guide care, and family input is secondary to the client’s wishes, making this action incorrect and irrelevant.
Choice C reason: Discussing treatment options with the surrogate is inappropriate, as the client is competent and has clear advance directives refusing treatment. The surrogate’s role applies only if the client cannot decide, making this action misaligned with the client’s autonomy and directives.
Choice D reason: Discussing discharge options respects the client’s refusal of treatment and advance directives, focusing on palliative care or home arrangements. This supports autonomy and aligns with end-of-life care principles, ensuring comfort and dignity, making it the correct action.

Choice A reason: Telling the daughter not to worry dismisses her emotional concerns and does not facilitate open communication. Addressing fears about a loved one’s death requires empathy and discussion to process grief and understand hospice care, which focuses on comfort. This response is inappropriate, as it avoids addressing the daughter’s needs.
Choice B reason: Acknowledging the daughter’s concerns about her mother’s death and inviting discussion is therapeutic. It validates her emotions, encouraging open dialogue about grief, hospice care, and end-of-life expectations. This approach supports psychological coping, aligns with palliative care principles, and helps the daughter prepare for her mother’s transition, making it appropriate.
Choice C reason: Discussing the mother’s cancer and its implications helps the daughter understand the disease progression and hospice care’s role in symptom management. This fosters informed communication, addressing fears and clarifying expectations. It supports emotional preparation for end-of-life discussions, making this response appropriate for facilitating understanding and coping.
Choice D reason: Encouraging the daughter to avoid thinking about dying dismisses the reality of the situation and hinders emotional processing. Hospice care involves preparing for end-of-life, and open discussions about death are therapeutic. This response is inappropriate, as it discourages necessary conversations about the mother’s condition and prognosis.